NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER AND LATE CAPITALISM.  CHECK BACK FOR THE RESCHEDULED PICNIC.  




After the success of the FREELANCER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY, I’m having a follow-up…

Since you won’t be invited to a legit company picnic, come to mine and hang out with fellow freelancers, permalancers, consultants, temps, project-based employees and other people who don’t get sick days.


As a kid, I always loved going to the Proctor & Gamble Company Picnic.  (previously written about here.)


Today most companies don’t do these things anymore, but like everything else, it’s up to the independent workers to take care of themselves (and each other.)




WHERE: GOVERNOR’S ISLAND (by the parade grounds)


WHEN: This Sunday, August 14th,  11:30 AM – 4:00 PM


HOW: Follow this link for a Ferry schedule.  Boats leave from Brooklyn and Manhattan.  It’s free.


note: you don’t have to be a freelancer to come, but that’s the theme.  (It sounds better than “ice cream social of the unemployables”)


Join us for a delightful afternoon, which is sure to include fun and games, bitching about the economy, and maybe even some networking.  I expect there’ll be some web-people, filmmakers, graphic designers, writers, editors, producers, educators, and of course it wouldn’t be a freelance jamboree without plenty of bloggers. Feel free to live-tweet the event.  #FreelanceCompanyPicnic  (I’m kidding.) 


The same way you have to buy your own health insurance, you’ll have to buy your own food.  (What do I look like, I’m made of money?)   There are a number of food trucks on Governor’s Island, as well as a Water Taxi Beach.  Or you could save money and bring your own food.  Or perhaps a tray of snacks to share with the other party-goers.


Also, you should bring bottled water, since the Island’s water is non-potable.  (Again, water and other beverages are sold throughout the island.)


While visiting Governor’s Island you can take advantage of the free kayaks, free tram tours, free mini-golf, and bike rentals (this costs money, but it’s worth it.)


I’ll also bring some games and activities.


Like any good company picnic — KIDS ARE WELCOME.




So look for me at the parade grounds, I’ll put some blankets down under the trees.


Eat, drink and have a new view of the New York skyline.


And mingle with a group of good-lookin’, talented, underpaid, independent contractors from MTV Networks, Rainbow Media, TV One and a handful of other shady fly-by-night companies.


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Kevin Maher is a freelance comedy writer and producer.  He hosts the nerdy variety show “Kevin Geeks Out” and other important cultural events.